The pilot had purchased the aircraft earlier in the day and was flying it home to Kingaroy. During the pre-flight inspection he noted that the fuel quantity indication in the sight gauge was 35 litres. This was assessed as adequate for the 20-minute flight, plus reserves.
About 8 km before the destination the pilot again checked the fuel quantity, which was reported to be 10 litres. This was assessed as adequate for the remainder of the flight. Shortly after, the engine failed, and a forced landing was conducted. The paddock chosen appeared to be covered in smooth grass. During the landing roll a wheel struck a clump of the long grass, and the aircraft nosed over, coming to rest inverted.
Examination of the aircraft found that less than three litres of fuel were in the aircraft when the engine failed. The pilot was not aware that the fuel sight gauge was accurate only in flight. There was no mention of this in the aircraft manual.
Factors
1. The pilot had little experience on the aircraft type.
2. The engine failed due to fuel exhaustion.
3. A clump of grass caused the aircraft to nose over.